Alternatives to the Samsung Galaxy Note 7

By Tracey Dowdy

Just two weeks after the Galaxy Note 7’s August release, Samsung had to turn around and issue a global recall for the device. That translates into refunds and exchanges on over one million phones for Samsung. All US carriers have stopped sales and Samsung is working with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on an investigation into why the devices are catching fire or, in some cases, exploding.

If you are a Note 7 owner, you’ll need to decide which device offers the features you liked most about the device and decide what your replacement will be. Here are three great options.

Galaxy S7 Edge – On their recall support page Samsung lists several incentives for choosing another Samsung device. Loyal customers will receive “a $25 gift card, in-store credit, in-store accessory credit or bill credit from select carrier retail outlets.” If you’re one of those loyal customers, the Galaxy S7 Edge is a good choice as it has a lot of the same features including the identical IP68 dust and water-resistance rating, the same camera, microSD slot, and wireless charging. It doesn’t have the USB Type-C port, the S pen, or Note 7’s iris scanner but did you really need an iris scanner anyway?

iPhone 7 – One of the most appealing features of the Note 7 was that with its 5.7 inch screen it was a phablet – a phone/tablet hybrid. The iPhone 7’s screen size comes close at 5.5. inches. Of course, this means switching from Android to iOS, but if you’ve been on the fence, this is as good a time as any to switch platforms. The iPhone 7 promises 10 hours of battery life with standard use; is water-resistant; available in 32GB, 128GB or 256GB options; and has an excellent camera. Plus, Apple offers a “Move to iOS” app in the Google Play store so switching platforms isn’t the nightmare it used to be.

Google Pixel – If you’re willing wo wait just a little longer Google’s Pixel phone set to be released in late October is an option. The Pixel will be among the first to include Google’s answer to Siri, Google Assistant; is compatible with Daydream, Google’s virtual reality platform; charges up 7 hours of battery life in 15 minutes; and promises one of the best smartphone cameras to date. Users also get unlimited 4K video and photo storage at full resolution through the Google photos app; and customers can choose either a 32GB or 128GB device.

If you need further information on recall and exchange options, go to Samsung’s website or call 1-844-365-6197.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.